Gadd files for reelection

BYESVILLE Mayor Don Gadd took action Tuesday to seek reelection to office. He filed a petition with the Guernsey County Board of Elections to have his name placed on the November ballot.

Gadd, a five-year incumbent, is seeking a second, full term as mayor. In addition to being elected to the office, he filled a year in the unexpired term or former Mayor Gene Netting.

"I really like the job," Gadd said, "and I have enjoyed the progress the village has made in this last term."

The mayor cites the utility line replacement project along Main Avenue and, particularly, the new water plant looming on the horizon.

"We have spent many days," Gadd said, "designing what we feel will be the cleanest and safest plant in Ohio.

"It has been on my plate since Day One. And I will be real happy to open the door and turn the plant on."

During his term, the village has seen a growth of more than 300 jobs, he said.

"Primarily," he said, "these are from the growth of existing businesses. But we have seen several new businesses as well. The Pomegranate Center is one and it also adds to the diversity of the local job market."

Gadd continues to see promise in the promotion of the scenic railroad line from Byesville to Derwent and beyond.

"It was really hard to get that train here," he said. "But I just talked with the railroad people this week. They are amazed by all of the people volunteering to support them in being here.

"I look forward to building a niche around this resource."

He envisions shops springing up to cater to the special needs of railroad fans.

"This will not only draw people in for local business," he said, "it will generate new tourism for all of the area."

Byesville, Gadd said, is a village on the move to a more prosperous future. It's a view more and more people are beginning to share.

"Once we turned the corner and could see positive results, everyone's attitude has changed.

"I am a positive person," Gadd said Sometimes you really have to dig in to convince the perpetual againers that it can be done.